A core part of our mission is to give young people the space to get away from social pressures contributing to mental health issues, and gain life experiences
Wellbeing at Raleigh
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Well-being at Raleigh
We know that by embracing the challenge of a Raleigh Expedition, you broaden your horizons, grow in independence and develop a truly global view of others. In doing so, you increase your confidence to persevere through life’s ups and downs, and ultimately, realise your true potential.
However, we know that for you to start this adventure journey with us, you need to know we have your back. We understand that taking on an Expedition comes with challenges and that you will need support throughout your programme. Your safety has always been a priority at Raleigh, but we are also committed to doing all that we can to protect your mental health and wellbeing whilst on Expedition. This is how.
1. Raleigh is for everyone
Whoever you are, wherever you come from, you are welcome to join the Raleigh family. Raleigh is for everyone.
We are an organisation not affiliated with a particular religion, political party or any other group. Raleigh runs a policy of inclusive and non-discriminatory selection and placement of Venturers onto all our volunteer programmes.
We are dedicated to greater diversity and inclusion within our own organisation and provide equal opportunity to people of all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, gender identifications and abilities.
2. You can talk to us
We know that sharing about your mental health and wellbeing can be difficult, but our team greatly understands the challenges that young people face today and we are dedicated to supporting you the best way we can. We will listen to your concerns and can put plans in place to support your needs.
We have lots of resources available to ensure that your mental health and wellbeing is protected on programme, so by taking the first step in being open and honest about your wellbeing, we will be able to support you to have an Expedition best suited for you.
3. All full-time staff are mental health first aid trained
All our key project staff in the countries we work in are certified for supporting mental health in adventurous settings.
Through a training course on understanding of the differences between mental health and mental ill health, are well versed in understanding different types of mental ill health issues and identifying if a volunteer may be experiencing issues. The course shows that by understanding mental health, it is possible to work together to create an environment that eliminates negativity, isolation, and discrimination and provides an inclusive, non-judgemental, and supportive environment promoting the wellbeing of all.
On project, a Venturer should feel confident to turn to the project team for support and can know that asking for help will be received positively and supportively.
4. Health & Wellbeing Venturer Manager role
Where possible we have a dedicated Health & Wellbeing Coordinator, however all Expeditions have mental health trained staff. They’re there to help create an environment where volunteers feel safe and secure so you can get the most out of your Expedition experience.
They have a background in a field such as counselling, and are there if you need someone to talk to. They are your back up on a tough day, along with your team, to keep you going.
We will work with you and the Health & Wellbeing Coordinators to understand how best to support you.
5. Health and wellbeing plans
As part of the pre-departure process, all our volunteers have to fill in a health form.
This form is designed to gain information about your health to ensure we can support you to participate fully in the programme. This will help us plan what you will need to do to prepare and what Raleigh needs to do to ensure you can have a positive healthy volunteering experience. If you have a background of mental health challenges we will work with you to create a basic wellbeing support plan to put in place for Expedition. This will be reviewed with the wellbeing coordinator or medic when you arrive on Expedition.
6. Come prepared
We ask that you join Expedition with a clear understanding of how to manage your own mental health. Expedition will be an opportunity for you to push yourself out of your comfort zone and learn how you respond to challenges. Therefore, we recommend you come prepared with some copying mechanisms and strategies to help yourself in these environments.
Although our team is mental health first aid trained, and we have experience in managing and providing support to individuals with a background of mental health challenges they are not doctors or mental health professionals. If you require regular professional support, please consider if Expedition is right for you at this time
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